Marshallislands in December

December weather, activities, events & insider tips

December Weather in Marshallislands

30°C (86°F) High Temp

26°C (79°F) Low Temp

220mm (8.7 inches) Rainfall

70% Humidity

Is December Right for You?

Advantages

Trade winds provide natural cooling (15-25 km/h or 9-16 mph) making the 70% humidity more bearable than other Pacific destinations
Peak green season creates impressive underwater visibility at 25-30m (82-98 ft) for diving and snorkeling due to increased plankton activity
Manta ray and whale shark sightings peak in December with 85% encounter rates at Bikini and Rongelap Atolls
Local copra harvest season means fresh coconut crab availability and traditional food experiences not found year-round

Considerations

Rainfall comes in intense bursts (20-40mm or 0.8-1.6 inches per hour) that can disrupt inter-atoll flights and boat transfers for 2-4 hours
December is peak typhoon watch season requiring flexible travel dates - storms typically track 500-800 km (310-500 miles) north but can affect flights
Higher humidity makes outdoor activities between 11am-3pm uncomfortable without proper hydration and cooling strategies

Best Activities in December

Bikini Atoll Diving Expeditions

December offers the clearest underwater visibility of the year at 25-30m (82-98 ft) with water temperatures at a comfortable 28°C (82°F). The wet season increases marine life activity, particularly around the nuclear test shipwrecks. Trade winds keep surface conditions manageable for boat transfers.

Booking Tip: Book 6-8 weeks ahead through dive operators certified for radioactive site diving. Expect costs of $800-1,200 per day including equipment and radiation monitoring. Weather delays are common - build 2-3 buffer days into your itinerary.

Majuro Lagoon Stand-up Paddleboarding

December's trade winds create perfect SUP conditions in the protected lagoon areas. Morning sessions (6-9am) offer glass-calm water before winds pick up to 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph). The wet season brings increased fish activity in shallow areas perfect for observation while paddling.

Booking Tip: Rent equipment from dive shops for $25-40 per day. Best conditions are 2 hours after sunrise when winds are minimal. Local guides charge $60-80 for 3-hour tours including traditional navigation lessons.

Traditional Canoe Building Workshops

December coincides with traditional canoe repair season when locals prepare for calmer January sailing conditions. Participate in authentic proa construction using traditional techniques passed down through generations. The humid conditions actually help with wood preparation and joining methods.

Booking Tip: Arrange through cultural centers 2-3 weeks ahead for $100-150 per day including materials and traditional lunch. Sessions run 4-6 hours with breaks during peak heat. Best combined with overnight outer island stays.

Rongelap Atoll Manta Ray Encounters

December's plankton blooms create optimal feeding conditions for manta rays with 85% encounter success rates. Water visibility reaches seasonal peaks at 20-25m (66-82 ft). The wet season positioning of currents brings nutrient-rich water to cleaning stations.

Booking Tip: Charter boats through licensed operators for $400-600 per person for day trips. Minimum 4 people typically required. Weather-dependent with 70% completion rate in December - always book with flexible rescheduling policies.

Coconut Crab Night Hunting Experiences

December's copra harvest season means peak coconut crab activity as locals traditionally hunt these delicacies. Join guided night expeditions that combine cultural education with sustainable harvesting practices. High humidity actually increases crab activity during evening hours.

Booking Tip: Book through local guides for $80-120 per person including equipment and traditional preparation. Tours run 7pm-11pm starting after dinner. Wear closed shoes and long pants - guide provides headlamps and collection bags.

World War II Battlefield Island Tours

December's cooler trade winds make exploring Kwajalein and Roi-Belgium battlefields more comfortable than dry season months. Increased cloud cover reduces harsh shadows for photography of bunkers and artifacts. Wet season reveals additional artifacts as soil shifts expose previously buried items.

Booking Tip: Military clearance required 4-6 weeks ahead through tour operators licensed for restricted areas. Full-day tours cost $200-300 including transport and historical guide. Bring water-resistant camera gear for humid conditions.

December Events & Festivals

Throughout December

Copra Harvest Festival

Traditional month-long celebration of coconut harvest featuring traditional food preparation, canoe races, and copra drying demonstrations. Each outer island celebrates on different weeks creating multiple opportunities to participate.

Mid to Late December

Christmas Island Style Celebrations

Unique blend of Christian traditions with Marshallese culture featuring traditional sailing competitions, community feasts with local seafood, and handicraft exhibitions. Particularly busy on outer islands where entire communities participate.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Quick-dry synthetic shirts and shorts - cotton stays wet too long in 70% humidity and takes 8-12 hours to dry

Reef-safe sunscreen SPF 50+ with zinc oxide - UV index 8 combined with water reflection creates intense exposure

Lightweight rain jacket with ventilation - afternoon downpours dump 20-40mm (0.8-1.6 inches) per hour

Water shoes with drainage holes - coral cuts are serious and wet feet are constant in December conditions

Waterproof dry bags in multiple sizes - protect electronics, documents, and spare clothes during boat transfers

Electrolyte powder packets - sweating rate increases 40% in December humidity requiring active replacement

Anti-fungal foot powder - wet conditions create ideal environments for tropical foot infections

Mesh laundry bags - clothes take 12-24 hours to air dry so organization prevents mildew buildup

Portable dehumidifier or moisture absorbers - protect camera equipment and electronics in accommodations

Long-sleeve UV protection shirts - for extended sun exposure during water activities when reapplication isn't possible

Insider Knowledge

Book inter-atoll flights for morning departures (7-10am) - afternoon thunderstorms cancel 30% of flights after 2pm in December

Bring cash in small bills ($1, $5, $10) - outer islands rarely have change for larger denominations and ATMs don't exist outside Majuro

Pack extra contact lens solution and cases - high humidity and salt spray require daily cleaning and occasional emergency replacement

Download offline maps and entertainment - internet connectivity drops significantly during December storms and may be out for days on outer islands

Avoid These Mistakes

Packing only cotton clothing - takes too long to dry in December humidity and becomes uncomfortable within hours of getting wet

Scheduling tight connection flights - December weather delays are common and missing connections can strand you for days with limited inter-atoll transport

Bringing expensive electronics without proper waterproofing - humidity condensation ruins cameras and phones even when not directly exposed to rain